Suboxone for Drug Detoxification

SUBOXONE Film is a narcotic medication indicated for the treatment of opioid dependence, available only by prescription, and must be taken under a doctor's care as prescribed.

Opioid dependence is a challenging and complicated condition, but it can be treated. If you're working to overcome opioid dependence, you know the experience can sometimes be overwhelming. We understand the importance and urgency of getting help right away so if you are ready to quit and need help, we are here to help you with an appointment within 24-72 hours. We are affiliated with numerous counselors and drug rehabilitation centers in town and can get you into a comprehensive effective outpatient program to ensure a positive experience and a successful outcome.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone contains a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is an opioid medication. Buprenorphine is similar to other opioids such as morphine, codeine, and heroin, however, it produces less euphoric ("high") effects and therefore may be easier to stop taking.

Naloxone blocks the effects of opioids such as morphine, codeine, and heroin. If Suboxone is injected, naloxone will block the effects of buprenorphine and lead to withdrawal symptoms in a person with an opioid addiction. When administered under the tongue as directed, naloxone will not affect the actions of buprenorphine.

Suboxone is used to treat opiate addiction.

Suboxone may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Important information about Suboxone

Suboxone can cause death from overdose, especially if it is injected with a tranquilizer. Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.

Suboxone can cause drug dependence. This means that withdrawal symptoms may occur if you stop using this medication too quickly. Withdrawal symptoms may also occur at the start of treatment due to dependence on another drug. Suboxone is not for occasional ("as needed") use. Do not stop taking Suboxone without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose to avoid or minimize withdrawal symptoms.

In an emergency, have family members tell emergency room staff that you are taking Suboxone and that you are dependent on opioids.

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Suboxone may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired thinking. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired thinking, avoid these activities. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol may dangerously increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by the medication.

Suboxone may dangerously increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicine, including herbal products, without first talking to your doctor.

Before taking Suboxone

Do not take Suboxone if:

the medication was not prescribed for you; or

you are allergic to buprenorphine, naloxone, or any components of the tablets.

Before taking Suboxone, tell your doctor if you have:

lung problems or difficulty breathing;

a head injury or brain problem;

liver problems;

kidney problems;

gallbladder problems;

adrenal gland problems, such as Addison's disease;

low thyroid (hypothyroidism);

enlarged prostate gland;

problems urinating;

a curve in the spine that affects breathing;

severe mental problems or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not really there); or

alcoholism.

You may not be able to take Suboxone, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above. Suboxone is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether Suboxone will be harmful to an unborn baby. Use of this medication during pregnancy may cause withdrawal symptoms in a newborn baby. Do not take Suboxone if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Buprenorphine and naloxone pass into breast milk and may be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not take this medication if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Suboxone?

Take Suboxone exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

The Suboxone tablets should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. This will take 2 to 10 minutes. If more than one tablet is prescribed per dose, your doctor may tell you to put all of the tablets under your tongue at the same time, or put 2 tablets under your tongue and allow them to dissolve completely, then put the next tablet or tablets under the tongue right away.

Do not chew or swallow the tablets. The medicine will not work this way and you may get withdrawal symptoms. Do not change the dose of Suboxone or take it more often than prescribed without first talking to your doctor. Do not inject ("shoot-up") Suboxone. Shooting-up is dangerous and may cause bad withdrawal symptoms.

The Suboxone sublingual film should be placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve completely. If an additional sublingual film is prescribed per dose, place the additional Suboxone sublingual film under the tongue on the opposite side from the first film. Place the sublingual film in a manner to minimize overlapping as much as possible. The Suboxone sublingual film should not be chewed, swallowed, or moved after placement. Suboxone may cause withdrawal symptoms if taken too soon after a dose of heroin, morphine, or methadone.

Suboxone can cause drug dependence. This means that withdrawal symptoms may occur if you stop using the medicine too quickly. Withdrawal symptoms may also occur at the start of treatment due to dependence on another drug. Suboxone is not for occasional ("as needed") use. Do not stop taking Suboxone without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor may want to gradually reduce the dose to avoid or minimize withdrawal symptoms. When treatment with Suboxone is completed, flush any unused tablets or sublingual films down the toilet.

Suboxone can cause constipation. Drink plenty of water (six to eight full glasses a day) to lessen this side effect. Increasing the amount of fiber in your diet can also help to alleviate constipation. Your doctor may want to perform blood tests or other forms of monitoring during treatment with Suboxone.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Suboxone may be a target for people who abuse prescription or street drugs. Therefore, keep the tablets and sublingual films in a safe place to protect them from theft. Never give them to anyone else. Sell or giving away this medicine is against the law.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a Suboxone overdose may include slow breathing, seizures, dizziness, weakness, loss of consciousness, coma, confusion, tiredness, cold and clammy skin, and small pupils.

What should I avoid while taking Suboxone?

In an emergency, have family members tell emergency room staff that you are taking Suboxone and that you are dependent on opioids. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. This medication may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired thinking. If you experience drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired thinking, avoid these activities.

Dizziness may be more likely to occur when rising from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to minimize dizziness and prevent a fall.

Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine. Alcohol may dangerously increase drowsiness and dizziness caused by the medication.

Suboxone may dangerously increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicine, including herbal products, without first talking to your doctor.

Buprenorphine is available in two forms: Suboxone and Subutex (generic form without naloxone). SUBOXONE Film, an innovation in treatment experience and convenience, is indicated for long-term treatment of opioid dependence and should be used as part of a complete treatment plan that includes counseling and support.